St. Patrick's & St. Anthony's Parish at 920 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417 US - St. Anthony's Altar Society
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St. Anthony's Altar Society
June 30, 2006 |
St. Anthony's Altar Society
On the suggestion of Fr. Liebeck in 1946, the St. Anthony’s Altar Society was formed with Mrs. Louise Velik (now Mrs. Arnold DeWitt), its first president. The women paid dues for membership and helped with the cleaning of the church. They often made the priest’s vestments and altar cloths and linens. The society purchases altar vessels, candles, flowers, gifts for sacrament recipients, makes baptism stoles and hosts coffees with special cakes for graduation, first communion and confirmations. They recently purchased pyxes and cases for all the ministers of communion for the sick. Altar Society is responsible for equipping and furnishing the kitchen at St. A’s. Older folks remember the chicken dinners that were served from the church basement years ago. The women of St. Anthony’s Altar Society have always been very active within and outside their parish. At first they belonged to the Holland Deanery Council of Catholic Women and provided one of its presidents. They have also provided a president of the Grand Rapids Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (1986 – 1988). The ladies collected blankets for the migrants, cancelled stamps for the Dominican Sister, pennies and eyeglasses for convention. All Women of the parish now belong to the Altar Society. For years scholarships have been provided for teens attending this year. Scholarships benefit adults and teens for retreats. Within the past five years scholarships are provided for parishioners pursuing higher education. Altar Society provides many social functions for the parish—Euchre parties, white elephant parties, soup and bread suppers and trips. The Society supports Mardi Gras, parish picnics/fiestas, prayer group and the monthly Birthday Luncheons. St. Anthony’s Altar Society’s biggest moneymaker has been the fall craft show which was held at St. Patrick’s Center for many years. Monthly, for many years, the shut-ins of the parish are remembered with cards from the Society. A new practice is to present to each parish member, who is 70 years or older, a birthday cake each year. Gifts are yearly sent to Sister Bernice and Sister Jeanette. Members gather each month at their meetings to celebrate who they are and what they can do. ~Fran Olech